Innovative team transforms living kidney donation

The Living Kidney Donor Team at the Ottawa Hospital, led by Dr. Ann Bugeja, has received the Medical Post Interprofessional Team Award for their work in establishing the one-day kidney donor evaluation program. This initiative is transforming the landscape of organ donation by streamlining the evaluation process for potential kidney donors, significantly reducing the time and burden traditionally associated with this critical step.Recognizing the urgent need to increase kidney transplants—especially as the number of people with end-stage kidney disease has surged by 17% over the past decade—the team developed a program that condenses weeks or even months of testing into a single day. This model allows potential donors to undergo evaluations, including bloodwork, CT scans, nuclear imaging and consultations with physicians and surgeons, all within a few hours. As a result, candidates receive their final results within weeks, greatly accelerating the transplant process.The success of the one-day evaluation program is a testament to the collaborative efforts of a diverse team, including nephrologists, transplant urologists, nuclear medicine physicians, transplant nurse coordinators, social workers and administrative staff. This program’s impact extends beyond efficiency; it also offers critical education and support to potential donors, as highlighted in a 2024 study published in Kidney International Reports. By reducing travel and wait times, the program is making kidney donation more accessible and achievable for many, saving lives and setting a new standard in organ transplantation.JUDGE QUOTE:“This program tackles wait times, convenience, efficiency and resource management using a system-wide viewpoint all while being laser-focused on the patient experience. Top marks.”Watch the video interview—or read the Q&A transcript below:

Innovative team transforms living kidney donation

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